WATC H E S
KEEPING WATCH From environmental initiatives to semi-precious materials, new timepieces should tell a story, writes Oonagh Turner
A
fter a year off from the party season, many will be looking to dazzle their peers at Christmas events with a work of art on their wrists. Bertrand Savary, president of English watchmaker Arnold & Son says that this year there is a strong emphasis on unique pieces made with natural and interesting material. “At Arnold & Son, we source semi-precious stones, often never used in watchmaking before, such as the verdite on the dial of Ultrathin Tourbillon Dragon & Phoenix or the white marble to compose the 3D moon of Luna Magna.” At luxury diamond watch company Backes and Strauss, head of design, Anna Vasiunyk has also noticed interest has piqued in the materials used. “Bi-colour watches incorporating stainless steel and rose gold have been very popular especially with a classic white dial accentuated with a diamond bezel. Both variations
of our classic round cased Piccadilly and oval shaped Regent are proving equally desirable.” The Piccadilly 37 Bicolour is proving to be one of Backes & Strauss’ most popular. “Bold and timeless, the Piccadilly stainless steel with a 37mm dial is a classic timepiece whatever the occasion. The circular shape of the case heralds the iconic architecture of London’s epicentre, Piccadilly Circus.” (£12,000) Vasiunyk has also observed clients looking to past decades for inspiration. “We’ve seen an increase in popularity for colourful cocktail watches, inspired by elegant 1930s designs but modernised with bright, fresh colours.” The throwback to the 1930s is symbolic of the need to celebrate and embrace the end of the pandemic: “Clients are enjoying going out and celebrating again and our Miss Victoria collection is a beautiful special occasion watch.”
LUNAR ECLIPSE Above: Arnold & Son presents a three-dimensional moon on the Luna Magna watch, made of marble and
aventurine. Showcased on an aventurine glass dial, the moon changes with astronomical precision, £36,400, arnoldandson.com
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